down-to-the-wire

adjective

ˈdau̇n-tə-ṯhə-ˈwī(-ə)r 

: full of suspense

especially : unsettled until the very end

Synonyms of down-to-the-wire

• narrow
• close
• tight

Examples of down-to-the-wire in a Sentence

a down-to-the-wire contest for the pennant

Recent Examples on the Web

The result is some down-to-the-wire races in several major categories. — David Sims, The Atlantic, 13 Mar. 2026

The game followed a championship series filled with down-to-the-wire face-offs won by edge-of-your-seat buzzer beaters. — Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 15 June 2026

The tides turned for the Tigers after their first significant road win, a down-to-the-wire 86-85 victory over Texas A&M. — Ally Schniepp, Kansas City Star, 19 Mar. 2026

Less than a month ago, the Lakers squandered double-digit leads against the Phoenix Suns and Orlando Magic in down-to-the-wire defeats. — Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 19 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1930, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for down-to-the-wire

• admire
• afire
• aspire
• backfire
• esquire
• expire
• haywire
• hellfire
• inquire
• inspire
• newswire
• perspire